United Steelworkers demanding action on unfair trade

Eveleth, MN (NNCNOW.com) --- United Steelworkers are demanding action against unfair trade from foreign markets and it could mean jobs lost on the Iron Range if action isn't taken.

"He'll probably get laid off too, he's been there 10 years but you never know. The last layoff he was laid off for six months, so it could really impact our family" said Tiffany Olson of United Steelworkers District 11. Olson is talking about her husband who works for U.S. Steel-Minntac. His job could be impacted by steel dumping from foreign countries.

Layoffs have already occurred at U.S. Steel operations in Pennsylvania and Texas and it could have a ripple effect on the mining that occurs on the iron range as well as steel production.

"The suggestion that there is steel dumping from South Korea now, and we are going before the proper authorities to challenge that" said U.S. Senator Al Franken.

United Steelworkers are saying oil country tubular goods are the products being dumped and it is demanding an investigation into how the business is conducted here without regulation or a fair tariff.

United Steelworkers say a similar situation occurred nearly 12 years ago.

"Right here on the range we lost the LTV Steel Mining Company, National Steel went bankrupt, and also, it was Eveleth Taconite then, but it's now United now, they went bankrupt" said Assistant Director for United Steelworkers District 11, John Rebrovich.

United Steelworkers says it can easily compete as long as fair trade is regulated.

"make sure they follow our laws. We can compete with them anywhere in the world, but if they come in and follow the laws of our country, we can beat them every time" said Rebrovich

The organization says it will continue to fight for American steel.

United Steelworkers district 11 is planning a rally in Virginia on June 23rd.